§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether the working hours of horses and ponies in mines have been substantially increased per day or per week as a result of the drive for increased output; whether action has been taken when ponies appear to get out of condition owing to strain or overwork; and whether the ponies get their regular food supplies at their working places "in bye" during the shift as well as a regular supply of clean drinking water?
§ Mr. T. SmithOwing to the more regular working of mines the horses are in some cases having to work more days per week but not usually more hours per day. The answer to the second and third parts of the Question is "Yes": in the comparatively rare instances where the inspectors find otherwise, appropriate action is taken.
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§ Sir R. Gowerasked the Minister of Fuel and Power the total number of horses and ponies used below ground in mines at 30th June, 1942; the number of mechanical conveyors used at the same date; the percentage of the total output carried by conveyors; the number of portable motor-haulers; and the proportion of the total output handled by them?
§ Mr. T. SmithThe information, so far as it is available, is as follows:
Mines under the Coal Mines Act in Great Britain.
Number of horses employed below-ground at 30th June, 1942–26,593.
Number of conveyors in use year ended 31st December, 1941–8,261.
Percentage of coal conveyed in 1941–64 per cent"
Particulars of the number of portable motor-haulers and the proportion of the total output handled by them are not available.